The UK Expansion Worker Visa sits within the Global Business Mobility routes and is designed for senior employees or specialist workers sent to the UK by an overseas employer that is actively planning to establish a new presence here. Unlike most work visas, the sponsoring entity must not yet have an active trading presence in the UK at the point of application. The route is intended as a stepping stone for genuine international expansion, not a route for businesses already operating here.
To qualify, the applicant must be employed by the overseas entity, hold a senior or specialist role, and have a confirmed Certificate of Sponsorship from a UK entity licensed for this route. Salary thresholds and eligibility criteria apply and are set out in the Immigration Rules. The visa is granted for a maximum of two years and cannot be extended, which means forward planning for the transition to another route, such as the Skilled Worker route or a Senior or Specialist Worker visa, is essential from the outset. Dependants may apply to join the main applicant in the UK.
NARA Solicitors can advise overseas businesses on whether the UK Expansion Worker route is appropriate for their circumstances, assist with sponsor licence applications for this route, prepare Certificate of Sponsorship documentation, and support individual applicants through the visa process. If your business is exploring UK entry and wants to bring key personnel over to establish operations, speak to our team at an early stage so the right structure is in place before any application is made.